Perinatal positive and negative influences on the early neurobehavioral reflex and motor development

Early life events are critical in the development of the central nervous system. Injuries in this period can cause severe damage with permanent disabilities. The early changes following a perinatal lesion have prognostic significance. The nervous system in young age has a potential for plasticity and regeneration, which can prevent the negative effects of neuronal damage, and the most important objective of rehabilitation is to enhance this inner potential of the developing brain. Experimental examination of the environmental factors affecting this regeneration and remodeling process is very important. Endogenous factors, such as neurotrophic factors, which play a role in neurogenesis, migration, and differentiation of neurons, and development of neuronal circuits, are also in the center of interest. Most studies concerning the effect of positive or negative perinatal treatments focus mainly on long-term effects, and most examinations are carried out on adult animals following perinatal injuries. Less data are available on short-term effects and early neurobehavioral changes. In the past several years, we have shown how different (positive or negative) perinatal events affect the early neuronal development. Applying different tests widely used for behavioral testing, we have established a standardized testing method. This includes measuring parameters of somatic growth and facial development, appearance of basic neurological reflexes and also reflex performance, more complex motor coordination tests, and open-field and novelty-seeking tests. In the present chapter, we summarize data on early neurobehavioral development of newborn rats subjected to negative (perinatal asphyxia, hypoxia, excitotoxic injury, stress) and positive (enriched environment, neurotrophic factor treatment) stimuli during early postnatal life.